Presentation Summary: In 2012, the Association for College and Research Libraries issued a document outlining eleven diversity standards for academic libraries to use in developing the skills and competencies that are necessary to serve diverse populations. The American Library Association lists “diversity” as one of its 11 core values. In 2016, the Medical Library Association identified diversity and inclusion as essential values for the association, and in 2017 appointed a Diversity Task Force to determine how to operationalize these values. Typically, when we use the word “diversity” we refer to specific categories of identity: race, gender, ability, and sexual orientation, to name a few. As libraries and library organizations engage in more diversity initiatives, how is the conversation around diversity, inclusion, and equity taking shape? What is left unsaid when these conversations take place? This session will challenge attendees to unpack, rethink and reframe the diversity conversation. The presenter will share findings from a content analysis project of academic library diversity plans, provide a brief overview of critical race scholarship in the field, and challenge attendees to think critically about current library rhetoric around diversity.

Objectives: Participants of the webinar will be able to:
• Identify ways in which cultural competencies are addressed in current library diversity plans
• Explore the differences among the terms “diversity,” “inclusion,” and “equity”
• Develop a foundational understanding of critical race theory
• Challenge current rhetoric around diversity in order to achieve socially just outcomes

Presenter Bio: Ione T. Damasco is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator of Cataloging at the University of Dayton. Her primary work involves cataloging, collection development and liaison work for several subject areas. She serves on several teams and committees throughout the Libraries and on campus. Through her work on the University Libraries Diversity & Inclusion Committee, she has been able to make connections across campus with partners to develop and implement programming that fosters a more inclusive campus environment.

Class Overview

Beyond the SEA is a webinar series from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Southeastern/Atlantic Regional Medical Library (NNLM SEA). Speakers cover different topics of interest to health science librarians, health care practitioners, librarians, and other health focused groups in the region. Topics include new and updated National Library of Medicine (NLM) resources, RML Awardee presentations on their research and outreach programs, Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Information Resources, Electronic Health Records, and many other topics related to health sciences and health care. All sessions are online webinars using WebEx, which allows for live phone conversation and online chat. Sessions are recorded, closed captioned, and made available for later viewing.